News
Nov 07, 2016
In the spirit of our happily ending election season we are sure some sat in the voting booth, pulled the curtain, and asked, what makes a good leader? Led by Experient’s Terence Donnelly, we are going to discuss this on our weekly #ExpoChat at 1pm ET Nov. 9 and hope to also answer these questions:
Why is it so important to have strong consistent leadership skills?
Are there specific leadership traits across all industries that are essential?
Are there specific leadership skills that someone in the event and exhibition industry should have?
What is the biggest challenge facing… more
Nov 07, 2016
The fall continues to be a busy time with brisk hiring at a variety of companies ranging from show management companies to convention and visitors bureaus to general service contractors.
The Expo Group continues to grow and has added Dan DiPietro to the team as national sales director.
DiPietro has a rich industry experience that includes a technology background and strong sales acumen.
“With The Expo Group’s growth, it is important to have the right people in the right places to serve our clients and share how we can impact their trade shows and events,” said Randy Pekowski, president and… more
Nov 06, 2016
David Audrain is CEO and partner of Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo), a privately held business producing trade shows and conferences in North America, which also manages the Society of Independent Show Organizers.
During his 23-year career in the trade show industry, Audrain has held a myriad of positions, most recently before ExpoDevCo as president and CEO of Clarion Events North America, as well as Messe Frankfurt North America before that, where for more than six years he led a team of 40 staff spread across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
In addition, Audrain was COO of private… more
Nov 05, 2016
The third quarter of this year was a huge one for Global Experience Specialists, scoring $287 million in revenues, compared with $189.9 million during the same quarter the year before, a whopping 52-percent increase.
“GES delivered strong third quarter revenue growth and the team did an excellent job driving the additional revenue to the bottom line,” said Steve Moster, who leads GES and its’ parent company Viad.
He added, “In addition, we completed an important strategic acquisition in mid-August that gives us a more meaningful presence in the large U.S. audio-visual services market. The… more
Nov 05, 2016
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, accompany offering computer, audio visual (AV) and technology solutions for businesses and events, has a new event technology to offer event planners across diverse markets.
It is the SwiftColor SCC-4000D Oversized Credential Printer. This state-of-the-art digital inkjet color printer instantly delivers high-quality, 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, full-color, 3.5” x 5.5” documents.
Event planners can print oversized ID badges, media credential cards, parking passes, door hangers and much more in just two seconds.
For this reason, the… more
Nov 03, 2016
ABC Kids Expo, organized by All Baby & Child Corporation, welcomed more than 12,000 attendees and 900-plus exhibitors to its 1 million square foot showfloor Oct. 18-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Virtually every significant manufacturer and distributor of products for infants and small children, as well as many startups by parents, showed off their products, ranging from furniture and strollers to smudge-free chalk, timers for milk bottles and a sandwich cutter that turns pb&j into minions.
“We had to expand the new product showcase to accommodate the record number of entries… more
Nov 03, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
Recent research from Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) uncovered that just seven percent of exhibition organizers and 12 percent of exhibitors rate their digital offerings as effective in enhancing the attendee experience. Given the shared confidence level is so low, the October International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) webinar, “Using Digital to Rock Your Attendees’ Trade Show Experience” is certainly timely.
During the hour-long webinar, Nancy Drapeau, PRC, director of research, CEIR, moderated a panel of experts; David Saef, CTSM,… more
Nov 02, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected this year’s honorees of its 20 Under 30 recognition program, which affords young professional exhibition organizer members who may not be supported by their companies the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim, Calif.
This program provides industry and leadership education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry, and helps program honorees become better, more productive professionals. It is sponsored by the Austin… more
Nov 02, 2016
As the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI serves around 50,000 employees of exhibition organizers, venues, service providers and industry associations in close to 90 countries around the world.
To deliver and improve the growing roster of events, committee activities, and other industry initiatives, the association is bringing on board two new hires: Nicolette Elia-Beissel, and Jana Hofmann.
Nicolette Elia-Beissel is joining UFI as program manager. She became part of the exhibition industry when she joined RAI Exhibitions and Events (now known as Thebe Reed Events &… more
Nov 01, 2016
U.K.-based UBM scooped up a new show in the U.S., The Battery Show North America, from another UK-based company - Smarter Shows.
The Battery Show and collocated events will be part of UBM’s Advanced Manufacturing Group.
“The Battery Show has tremendous synergies with UBM’s existing advanced manufacturing business and we see great opportunity for growth on both sides as the brands serve many of the same industry sectors - including medical, aerospace, consumer goods, electronics and automotive, to name just a few.” said Scott Schulman, CEO, UBM Americas.
The Battery Show… more
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact